Eichorst would replace coaching legend Tom Osborne who announced last week he would be retiring January 1, 2013.

This news comes as a surprise as it was widely speculated Jamie Williams would be named Osborne’s successor. Eichorst’s connection to Nebraska is that he served as Deputy AD under former Husker linebacker Barry Alvarez at while at Wisconsin.

What do you think of this hire Husker fans?

I’m going to take a wait and see approach but I like the fact Nebraska didn’t just hire internally and conducted a nationwide search. However, I’d like to know how the Shapiro Scandal plays into this if at all.

Be sure to check back on nocoastbias.com for any further developments on this story.

UPDATE – 12:30 PM CST: University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman to meet with the media at 2 pm CST to discuss the Eichorst hire. Eichorst will be publicly introduced next Tuesday per Sean Callahan.

UPDATE – 12:41 PM CST: Per the Omaha World Herald Shawn Eichorst will receive a 5-year contract with a salary of $973,000. Eichorst is to incur a “Substantial financial penalty” if he leaves in 5 years and will receive $750k more if fulfills his contract.

Eichorst’s connection to Nebraska? He worked under former Nebraska linebacker Barry Alvarez at Wisconsin (Photo via statesman.com)